Yahoo News Russell Brand's co-presenter apologises after comedian 'exposed himself to woman'
Matt Morgan has denied he knew of an “encounter” in which Russell Brand is alleged to have flashed a woman before laughing about it on their BBC Radio 2 show.
The incident is said to have happened in 2008 when the woman was working in the same building as the BBC’s office in Los Angeles, BBC News reported.
The woman, referred to as Olivia, was reportedly left “stunned and disgusted” by the encounter.
On the radio show, which was reportedly recorded minutes later, Brand is heard laughing as his co-presenter Morgan said the comedian “showed his willy to a lady”.
Morgan was quoted by the BBC’s News At 10 saying he had stopped working with Brand several years ago and during the time they worked together he was “not aware” of any allegations of serious sexual misconduct against Brand.
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He said: “I was not aware until now of the nature of this encounter. I’ve expressed my regrets now looking back at the impact of the show, and this is a further example.
“The recent coverage has been very distressing to read and I reiterate my absolute condemnation of any form of mistreatment of women.”
The latest accusation comes as Brand has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013 - when he was at the height of his fame and working for the BBC and Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films - following a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Brand has denied any criminal allegations, saying he has been “promiscuous” but that all his relationships have been “consensual”.
Watch: Brand claims show ‘terrible behaviour towards women tolerated’
What did Morgan and Brand say on the show?
The exchange, which aired on an episode of The Russell Brand Show on 21 June, 2008, went as follows:
Morgan: Twenty-five minutes since he showed his willy to a lady.
Brand: (laughter) Very easy to judge! Very easy to judge!
Morgan: The receptionist...
Brand: Look...
Morgan: Receive this!
Brand: (laughter)
The BBC is investigating the new claim from the woman, who has not worked as a receptionist. It said that “if the woman who has shared her story is willing to speak to us, we would be very keen to hear from her and anyone else who may have information”.
The corporation added “some broadcasts from that period were, and are, inexcusable and totally unacceptable, and would never be aired today”.
Who is Matt Morgan?
Morgan is a comedy writer and presenter.
In the 2000s, he was best known for his collaborations with Brand... including co-presenting The Russell Brand Show on Radio 2.
More recently, Morgan has worked closely with Noel Gallagher, featuring on a number of Q&A interviews on Gallagher's YouTube channel and also presenting radio shows with the former Oasis leader.
According to the British Comedy Guide, Morgan has writing credits on shows such as 8 out of 10 Cats.
He also hosts a podcast on membership platform Patreon.
